The arrests were made during operations carried out on Jan 27–28 in Srisoonthorn and Thepkrasatri, as part of Phuket Province’s ongoing campaign to suppress drugs, gambling, vice, human trafficking and other criminal activity.
The operation was conducted under the direction of Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn, with Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, Phuket Provincial Palad (Chief Administration Officer) Rungruang Thimabut, Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkul, and Deputy District Chief Wisut Romint overseeing enforcement.
The investigation and arrests were led by Thalang Deputy District Chief and Narcotics Suppression Officer Chaiporn Yangjin, together with members of the Thalang District Volunteer Defence Corps (OrSor), reported the Thalang District Office.
In Moo 1, Srisoonthorn, officers arrested three male suspects after seizing 2.29g of crystal meth and three meth pills. They were charged with illegal possession and consumption of Category 1 narcotics.
In Thepkrasatri, officers arrested a suspect from Moo 4 after discovering 83.82g of crystal meth and four meth pills. He was charged with possession of Category 1 narcotics with intent to sell, attempted sale constituting drug trafficking, and illegal drug use.
Officials confirmed that the combined seizures from all four cases amounted to 86.11 grams of crystal meth and 12 meth pills. All suspects were handed over to investigators at Thalang Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, Mr Rungruang chaired the second meeting of the Phuket Provincial Anti-Drug Center Committee for fiscal 2026 at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Jan 29).
The meeting was attended by Phuket Provincial Public Health Office Chief Dr Dusadee Kongtrakulsap, Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Pol Col Akanit Danpitaksat, a representative from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) Region 8, and officials from relevant government agencies.
Committee members received progress reports on drug suppression, prevention, treatment of drug users and addicts, and administrative coordination among agencies.
Officials agreed that prevention must remain the central focus, alongside the establishment of rehabilitation camps and integrated cooperation between public and private sectors to systematically reduce drug problems in Phuket.
The meeting proposed guidelines for setting up rehabilitation and care camps for drug users and addicts, based on successful models already in use elsewhere. The approach would rely on administrative mechanisms involving police, government officials, local leaders and village heads working closely within communities.
The ONCB confirmed it is ready to provide support to ensure the measures produce tangible and sustained results.
The committee also addressed regulation of medicinal plants for commercial use, stressing the need for tighter controls on the sale of kratom leaf tea and ensuring cannabis use is genuinely limited to medical purposes.
Officials said strict enforcement of existing laws would continue, while balancing regulation with efforts to promote Phuket’s image as a safe destination for residents and tourists alike.